The SDF/YPG started the second step of the third phase of the Wrath of the Euphrates campaign (some are saying it is the "4th phase") by initiating another front against IS and capturing the villages of Siyan and Hessem Zeyt west of Makman, Syria.

President Assad to TF1 and Europe 1: France supported the "terrorists" from day one of the crisis and is responsible for the killings in our country and the majority of Syrians had left Syria because of terrorism and the Western embargo on Syria.

Coalition Major General Jones: The force that looks the most likely capable of conducting the liberation of Raqqa remains the SDF. We're confident that they'll be able to retake Raqqa (from IS) when the time comes, of course, with US-led coalition support.